Quality and Equity in Wheelchairs Used by Veterans

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2017 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.09.116 · Published: March 1, 2017

Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines whether there are differences in the quality of wheelchairs prescribed to White and African American veterans with spinal cord injuries or amputated limbs. The researchers also looked at other factors, such as age, income, and cultural or psychosocial characteristics, to see if they were related to wheelchair quality. The goal was to identify any disparities in wheelchair provision within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system and to understand the factors that contribute to these disparities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

421 Veterans with spinal cord injury or amputated limb

Evidence Level

Cross sectional cohort study

Key Findings

1
There were no significant racial differences in the quality of wheelchairs prescribed to African American and White veterans.
2
Older age was associated with lower wheelchair quality among manual wheelchair users.
3
Lower income was associated with poorer wheelchair quality among manual wheelchair users and White power wheelchair users.

Research Summary

This study investigated the equity of wheelchair provision to Veterans with SCI or AL, focusing on racial disparities and the influence of patient characteristics on wheelchair quality. The results indicated no significant racial differences in wheelchair quality, but identified associations between older age and lower income with poorer wheelchair quality among manual wheelchair users. The study also found that prescription of manual wheelchairs from a VA with an SCI specialty clinic was associated with higher wheelchair quality.

Practical Implications

Raise Awareness

Increase awareness among VA wheelchair providers regarding disparities related to age and income.

Strengthen Connections

Enhance connections between VA centers with and without SCI specialty clinics, especially for manual wheelchair users.

Address Income Inequality

Develop strategies to mitigate the impact of income inequality on wheelchair quality within the VA system.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions.
2
Limited to comparisons between African American and White participants due to sample size.
3
Sample limited to Veterans who obtained their wheelchairs through the VA, limiting generalizability.

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